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CT State Police Cruiser Struck By Wrong-Way Driver

A 36-year-old man was charged after police said he drove the wrong way on I-84 and struck a Connecticut State Police cruiser.

A 36-year-old man was charged after police said he drove the wrong way on a highway and struck a Connecticut State Police cruiser.

A 36-year-old man was charged after police said he drove the wrong way on a highway and struck a Connecticut State Police cruiser.

Photo Credit: Connecticut State Police
A 36-year-old man was charged after police said he drove the wrong way on a highway and struck a Connecticut State Police cruiser.

A 36-year-old man was charged after police said he drove the wrong way on a highway and struck a Connecticut State Police cruiser.

Photo Credit: Connecticut State Police
Dennis Bessey

Dennis Bessey

Photo Credit: Connecticut State Police

The crash happened in East Hartford at about 4:50 a.m. on Sunday, April 3, according to Connecticut State Police.

A trooper was traveling in the westbound lanes near Exit 58 when he saw a Chevrolet Malibu traveling east in the westbound lanes, police said. 

The trooper tried to pull the Chevrolet over by activating emergency lights and sirens, authorities said.

The Chevrolet struck the front corner of the cruiser, damaging both vehicles, police reported. 

The trooper was taken to a hospital for evaluation, and he has been released.

Police said the driver of the Chevrolet, identified as Dennis Bessey, of East Hartford, was given field sobriety tests, which he did not perform to standard.

State police said Bessey was arrested and charged with:

  • Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Second-degree reckless endangerment
  • Driving the wrong way on a divided highway

Bessey was released on a $50,000 surety bond, and he is set to appear in court on Monday, April 18, authorities said. 

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